If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Size up or size down

Hello.... I've been lurking on here for quite some time and now that my focus has changed from my hybrid to a desire to own a road bike, I have questions.

I've been researching the Specialized Ruby and am uncertain on sizing. The info below is from their sizing chart:

54cm 5'6" - 5'8" 168 - 173cm
56/57cm 5'8" - 5'10" 173 - 178cm

I am close to 5' 8.5" which indicates the 57cm frame, but with my height being on the lower end I fear the bike may be too big. I don't have a local bike dealer with these bikes in stock so I can't test drive to see what feels better. I know stems can be swapped out but it would be nice to get a proper fitting bike without doing this if possible. Has anyone else had this issue?

I'm not quite 5' 10" and my Domane WSD is a 56cm and fits, perfectly. In my experience, when in doubt, lean towards the smaller of two options. Generally have more options as to making the bike fit. Best of luck.

Does the Specialized Dolce have the same geometry? The dealers may be more likely to have one of those you could try. When I ordered a Madone several years ago, I was sized on an in stock Lexa. Good Luck!

That's the next bike I want, and I'm in the same place you are. I'm 5'9". I ride a 56 cm Trek Domane. I know the 56cm Roubaix fits me (it doesn't come in a 57), and I know the 58 Roubaix is too big. I rented a 57 cm Ruby in Houston on a trip, but then was hurt and couldn't ride it. If you get a chance to try it, I'd love to hear how it works for you.

Where would you buy the Ruby from? If there's an LBS you know you'll be buying from, you might be able to get them to take some measurements (inseam, arm, shoulder) and then help you figure out which will probably fit you best. Ideally they'd have a good fitter to help you. Or talk to them about your options if you order one size and then find that it's not right.

Also +1 on pinson2's suggestion. I have a vague recollection that two of Specialized women's road bikes share the same geometry, though I'm not sure which ones.

You could also consider finding a shop with a fit cycle. They could replicate the measurements and see which one would fit you best. If I had to choose, I would go small - but a good bike fit is really essential. You may not know if either would work without it.

Most days in life don't stand out, But life's about those days that will...

i've tried replying but it seems that my posts aren't going through, waiting for moderator I guess. Anyway, I'll try again because I know a few of you are around my height and curious about sizing. Today I went back to LBS and they put me on a size 57 Dolce Elite. I had myself convinced that I would be a 54 but the 57 fit like a glove. Being new to biking my Trek 7.3 fx WSD hybrid is all I know and I can't believe how much better this road bike felt. They didn't have a Ruby in my size but had the Roubaix in a 56. I took it out because I had never been on a carbon bike before. All I can say is my 49 year old body really appreciated it. LOL. I had no idea it would make such a big difference!!! The result...... size 57 Ruby on order! She will arrive next week and I don't know if I will be able to sleep until I get her!!!